When you’re looking for a daily activity that helps calm your mind, lift your spirits, and tone your body, yoga is an excellent option. Of course, there are many different styles of yoga to explore. Which form you practice will largely depend on the goals you have. For many, Bikram Yoga is the best fit. This popular form of hot yoga has been around since the 1970s and might be ideal for you. Get started by learning what it is and what it involves, and find success by following these straightforward suggestions.
Understanding Bikram Yoga
While it is known as a form of hot yoga, it is important to understand that Bikram Yoga is different from most hot yoga classes that are offered at gyms and studios. In an official Bikram Yoga environment, participants enter a room that has a temperature of about 105°F. Additionally, the humidity in the room is kept very high, usually about 40%. The general idea behind the heat, as stated by Bikram Yoga founder Bikram Choudhury, is to mimic the hot climate of the majority of India.
The heat is also added to help warm the muscles of participants. This makes it easier to stretch in a deep and satisfying manner. Another important detail of this practice is there are a set amount of poses involved. Every class will incorporate the same twenty-six movements and poses. If you’re a beginner, it is wise to take a class that introduces you to these poses, helps you grow familiar with each, and teaches you how to move from one into the next in a fluid manner.
Hydration Considerations
As you can imagine, the heat in a Bikram Yoga class makes it very easy for a person to become dehydrated. The physical strain mixed with the humidity can be dangerous, so experts suggest drinking plenty of water prior to the class. To retain enough water to get through an entire session, the average person should drink ample amounts of water starting roughly a day before the class itself. Waiting until the last minute to hydrate means your body will not have absorbed all of the water, and even mild dehydration can lead to cramping or general discomfort in the gut.
Silence Is Golden
Yoga is a very popular practice these days. It stands to reason you have taken a class or two in your life already. While some yoga environments encourage students to chat with one another, Bikram Yoga is a bit different. From the moment you enter the room until the moment you leave, you are expected to be silent. This is because many people who practice prefer to meditate before and after a session. By speaking while still in the room, you run the risk of breaking a person’s concentration and serving as a distraction.
Go Slow
It is also important to check your ego when it comes to Bikram Yoga. Whether you are someone who has been doing yoga for years or you only recently got involved in the practice, humility is the key to your success. Those who tout their skills and abilities are often missing the very point of the exercise. Remember that Bikram Yoga can be dangerous, and you do not want to make foolish errors or push yourself beyond your capabilities due to pride. Go slow and learn how to handle yourself in the room to start feeling the benefits.
Engaging in a practice like Bikram Yoga can have a positive impact on your life. To see success, learn the ins and outs of the practice and develop a comprehensive understanding of this classic exercise for the mind, body, and spirit.